At Work frequently asked questions

Even though Windows and Office are very closely linked when you use your computer, they are separate.

Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows XP are operating systems. An operating system manages the other programs on your computer, and (in the case of Windows) provides a graphical user interface (GUI) to help you run programs—also called applications. Windows organizes all of the programs and hardware on your computer so that they work together. Windows also enables you to organize and secure your files, access your corporate network, connect to the Internet, and complete many other important tasks. For more information about Windows operating systems, see the Windows Vista or Microsoft Windows XP Web site.

The Microsoft Office System is a collection of programs, servers, and services that help you accomplish specific tasks and address business problems. Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office OneNote, and Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server are just some of the programs and servers in the Microsoft Office System. You can use these individually or together to complete simple and complex tasks ranging from creating a document to answering e-mail to collaborating with co-workers on team projects. To learn more about using the programs included in the Office system, visit Office Online.

If you're at work and using the company's computer, you should contact your IT department to determine how to secure your computer. Both Windows Vista and Windows XP include some built-in security features, but your IT department may require you to install additional software to help protect important information. This could be especially true if you work away from your office and connect to the corporate network from home or other remote locations.

If you're using your home computer, there are several things you can do to protect your computer. Visit our Security at Home Web site to find the most current information about keeping your computer secure. To strengthen your personal computer defenses, download computer security essentials. Next, take four steps to protect your computer.

You can always find computer term definitions by searching the Internet or by searching Wikipedia. In addition, we are working to reduce the amount of technical jargon in our articles.

There are lots of ways to help free your Inbox from junk e-mail messages. Using the Junk E-Mail filter in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007, for example, is just one method. There are also steps you can take without spending a lot of money on spam blockers. Check out the following sites for more information:

Windows Mobile-based software includes many features to help you stay connected to the office while you're on the go. By using programs such as Microsoft Office Word Mobile, Microsoft Office Excel Mobile, Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile, and Microsoft Office Internet Explorer Mobile, you can read your e-mail messages or draft a document in Word while you're at the airport or between meetings. Once you're back at the office or at home, you can also easily synchronize this new information with your main computer. Learn more about Windows Mobile-based devices.

Converters and viewers enable you to share your Office files with people who have different versions of Office programs, or even with people who don't have Office installed. Download the converter or viewer that you need.

If you're having computer problems or having trouble with an application at work, it's always best to first check with your company IT department before contacting Microsoft support. Your IT department may already be familiar with your issue and have a quick fix, or they can direct you to the appropriate Microsoft support contacts. For more information about Microsoft product support options, visit the Help and Support page. For help using Microsoft products effectively, you can also use the following resources:

Whether you're working at the office or from home it is important to have the right tools. To determine what products and hardware can help you excel at your job, use the following resources:

For information about using Office products released before the 2007 Microsoft Office system, view the Office Online Products page. In the left pane, click the product you need help with, then on the page that opens, click the version of the product you have. For Windows products, Microsoft has a Web site dedicated to information about earlier versions of Windows.

For support issues, visit Microsoft Help and Support to find the product version you are using.

Office Online provides you with templates, training options, important downloads, and tips for general Office tasks. In addition to how-to information, you can find video demos, webcasts, and podcasts, and you can connect with and get answers from other Microsoft Office users in one of the Office Community blogs.